1. Synapsis and Crossing-over: Meiosis involves the pairing of homologous chromosomes during synapsis, which allows for genetic recombination through crossing-over. This process results in genetic diversity among gametes. In mitosis, homologous chromosomes do not synapse, and crossing-over does not occur.

2. Number of Chromosome Copies: Meiosis reduces the chromosome number from diploid (2n) to haploid (n) in the daughter cells. Through two successive divisions (meiosis I and meiosis II), each with chromosome segregation, the chromosome number is halved. Mitosis, on the other hand, maintains the diploid chromosome number by producing genetically identical daughter cells.

3. Number of Cell Divisions: Meiosis consist of two consecutive divisions, meiosis I and meiosis II, resulting in the formation of four haploid daughter cells. In contrast, mitosis consists of only one division and produce two genetically identical daughter cells.

4. Independent Assortment of Chromosomes: During meiosis I, homologous chromosome pairs align randomly at the metaphase plate, and their orientation is independent of other chromosome pairs. This process, called independent assortment, contributes to genetic diversity in offspring. Independent assortment does not occur in mitosis, where sister chromatids of each chromosome pair segregate identically to opposite poles during cell division.